Checking out new Vashon Island mountain bike trails

Hiking Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls

Hiking West Tiger Mountain 3 near Issaquah

4 Arizona day hikes

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The U.S. is in for a rare astronomical treat on August 21, 2017 — that's the day of the "Great American Eclipse." It's the first total solar eclipse to cross the entire U.S. in 99 years, and more than 12 million Americans live in its path.

At Dockton Forest, a group of trails called UFO, Gravel Grinder and Erratic are classified as “easy” and they live up to the billing. The single track is flat, requires minimal technical skills and offers a pair of basic ramps for those who want to take it up a notch. Providing a nice progression from easy to intermediate, Dockton Forest seems like an ideal place to learn or teach the sport. Check out this double-time POV video of Gravel Grinder to UFO and learn more at thenewstribune.com/outdoors

The Mr. Hyde trail at Dockton Forest is like a neatly groomed intermediate ski run. It allows even those with modest skills to feel like a hero for a few seconds.Check out this double-time POV video of Mr. Hyde and learn more at thenewstribune.com/outdoors.

West Tiger 3 in Tiger Mountain State Forest is good option for late winter and early spring hiking. The trailhead is often crowded, so arrive early. Consider microspikes. The trail can be snowy and icy at times.

It can be challenging to make it all the way up Green Mountain without stopping. Not because the trail is especially challenging, but because the views just might stop you in your tracks. The views on this 4.8-mile hike include the Olympics, Cascades and the Seattle skyline. Find more information at http://www.thenewstribune.com/outdoors/article131063654.html.

Taylor Mountain Forest near Maple Valley has 30 miles of trails and dirt roads packed into 1,924 acres. The Holder Ridge trail is a good place to start exploring this working forest owned by King County. The trail starts near the trailhead and climbs gradually through young forest of red alders and evergreens. Learn more at thenewstribune.com/outdoors

The Hugo Peak Trail is a familiar path for frequent visitors to Pack Forest near Eatonville. But this winter it has new look. It's covered in snow. For more information on this hike, visit http://www.thenewstribune.com/outdoors/article58939083.html